Mariusz Ochocki

Mariusz Ochocki – is the main designer and artistic manager. He was born in 1962 in Bolesławiec. As a graduate of The Higher School of Fine Arts, presently the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, he apprenticed in the studio of Professor Felix Kocianowski and the workshop of ceramic techniques and technologies with professor Stanisław Szyba. He has been professionally associated with Artistic Handicraft Cooperative “Ceramika Artystyczna” in Bolesławiec since 1991 as the artistic manager, and as a form designer since 2012. Mariusz designs ceramics, sculpture and graphics. Geometric shapes on the base of a ball and cuboid are inspirations recognized in his ceramics.
Currently, from the latest designs of ceramic vessels, the cut cone is dominant for creating new forms. The essence of these new projects is the use of traditional craft techniques, keeping the functional and aesthetic aspects for ceramic items, while obtaining an innovative product that complements modern interiors. Thanks to the replacement of existing shapes with an oval design into the form of straight blocks with bevelled sides, it is attainable to obtain new space to develop the simple geometric motifs that entwine the surface of the dishes. This combination of both elements a ceramic vessel, combining tradition with a flair of the avant-garde, and following a natural return to traditional handicraft.

Bronisław Wolanin

Bronisław Wolanin (1937 – 2013 ) belonged to the group of artists, whose creativity in the chosen discipline, artistic ceramics, was at the highest level of expertise. He was a Graduate of the Higher School of Fine Arts in Wrocław (currently The Academy of Fine Arts) in the studio of Julia Kotarbińska. From 1964 to 2012, Bronisław worked as the artistic manager and main designer for Artistic Handicraft Cooperative “Ceramika Artystyczna”. As an indisputable creator of a contemporary style in the Bolesławiec stoneware, Bronisław introduced several hundred shapes and decorations into the production process.
In his early inspirations, this gifted artist was influenced by the unique style of the pre-war aesthetic group “ŁAD”, connecting traditional functions of objects with the simplicity of forms. In Bolesławiec, Bronisław was introduced to the folk traditions and German ceramics, which were created in early years of the 20th century. An extensive variety of forms resulted from these inspirations. Juxtaposing different traditions and schools, Bronisław Wolanin demonstrated great care for the methodical selection of proportions in each form he designed. The trends of Oriental motifs, the tradition of pre-war ceramics from the German school, folk art inspirations, fascination with the simplicity of shapes prevalent in Scandinavian design, permeated the artist’s work. Historically, the emergence of ceramic dishes has been the synthesis of many cultures and traditions. Bronisław Wolanin was invited to the symposia and the International Ceramic Open-Air ( the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, France, Denmark) and Polish ( Łysa Góra, Wałbrzych). He was also the member of International Ceramic Open-Air in Bolesławiec. Among many different works created by Bronislaw Wolanin, there was a marvelous series of unique porcelain jugs and mugs. In addition, a cycle of bas-reliefs, unique ceramic paintings, were designed in open-air painting.
The creativity of Bronisław Wolanin was interrupted with culmination of his life. He had many unrealized projects. His passion and personal expression for the creation of his brilliant art will forever honor him among the most prominent artistic creators.